HVAC Resolutions for 2026: What Chicago Homeowners Should Fix First

HVAC Resolutions for 2026: What Chicago Homeowners Should Fix First

So much weighs on your mind. Groceries cost more. Job security isn’t a guarantee. Plus, it’s getting more expensive to keep your home warm. It’s time to consider your HVAC goals for 2026. What can you put aside for now, and what should be the top priority?
Before you decide where to start your 2026 HVAC resolutions, sit down and create a budget. How much are you comfortable spending? How much could you spend if it were absolutely necessary? Keep those figures in mind as you get started.

Stop Drafts and Leaks

Make sealing your home a priority. Drafty doors and windows let heat out of your home, costing you more money than necessary. Leaky ducts allow hot air to move into the walls or attic, where it’s not doing any good. Poor insulation allows heat to travel through your ceilings and walls to the outdoors.
In the summer, the opposite happens. Cool air escapes your home, and heat from the outside enters it. Your AC runs continuously and never gets your home cool enough.
Chicago, Illinois, has hot, humid summers and cold, gusty winters, leading to a minimum of R-49 insulation in the attics of new builds. Floors need R-30 or R-38. Walls need R-20 (cavity) or R-13/R-5 (continuous). Best is R-60 in the attic and R-21 or greater in the exterior walls. Basement and crawlspace walls require R-15 or R-19.
Those are the minimum requirements for new builds. An older home isn’t likely to meet those codes unless you’ve recently invested in new insulation. Generally, the best options and estimated costs are:

Estimated insulation upgrades

Blown-in cellulose insulation for attic floors: Angi estimates the cost is $1,099 to $2,273.
Closed-cell spray foam for basements: Angi estimates the cost is $1,453 to $4,333.
Fiberglass batts for wall cavities: Angi estimates the cost is $1,068 to $2,645.
These estimates may vary from your home improvement project. Your home’s square footage, ease of access, and type of insulation used all impact the final cost. A free estimate from an insulation expert is the best way to get an accurate price.
It might be time to replace drafty old windows and doors with newer, energy-efficient models. Rotted sills should be repaired or replaced to prevent insect infestations and additional damage to the wood framing. For smaller leaks, use caulk to seal any gaps.

Aging Systems Struggle to Meet New Refrigerant Rules

Importing and manufacturing of R-410A stopped in 2025, but the government allows systems that use older coolants to continue using costly refrigerants that will get harder to obtain. As current supplies diminish, prices are expected to keep increasing.
Newer rules taking effect in 2026 require 1,500+-pound systems using older coolants to have automatic leak detection installed. Technicians must assess a system for leaks when adding 15 pounds or more of refrigerant. Identifying leaks requires HVAC repair.
If you have a significant leak or require a complete coolant drain and fill, you must consider replacing your HVAC system to meet the new requirement that systems use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 700. Refrigerants such as R-32 and R454B meet the new requirements.

Claim 2026 Tax Credits and Rebates While You Can

The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program is available for low-income residents who want to lower their energy costs through air sealing, HVAC repair or replacement, insulation, and other upgrades. There’s a $20,000 maximum incentive for energy-related upgrades and repairs.
If you’re a ComEd customer, an Energy Star rebate for smart thermostats is available through December 31, 2026. Complete the form online or via the mail and get up to $75 back. Rebates of up to $5 are also available on caulking, door seals/sweeps, spray foam insulation, and weatherstripping.

Protecting Your Health With Clean Air

HVAC systems do more than heat or cool your home. The air filters in your system capture fine particles like pollen, dust, and pet dander. The air you breathe is cleaner, which helps a lot if you have allergies or asthma. Changing your filters regularly helps keep your home free of excessive allergens and dust.
Adding UV lights to the ducts does more to purify the air you breathe. Professional germicidal UV light installations kill microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. They can help prevent the spread of diseases like the flu and COVID-19.

Prioritize Maintenance Over Costly Emergencies

High priority should be on maintenance over emergency repairs. Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned each year. If issues arise, it’s cheaper to get them fixed before they escalate into a catastrophic failure.
For example, your HVAC system is making a humming noise before it turns on. That can indicate a capacitor is starting to fail. If you don’t act, your blower or condenser motor could overheat and burn out. A capacitor change saves you money and frustration. Compare the average cost listed on Angi’s.

Repair cost comparison

Capacitor change –$200 to $400
Blower motor – $300 to $900
Condenser motor – $350 to $550
The actual costs depend on the HVAC system you own, the availability of parts, and labor. Parts for an older system may be challenging to source.

Hybrid Systems Keep Your Home Warm While Protecting the Environment

Dual fuel systems use two energy sources to heat or cool your home. An electric heat pump takes heat energy from the outside air and brings it into your home. If it gets too cold to draw heat from the air, the smart, dual-fuel thermostat knows to switch to the secondary fuel source, like natural gas.
A heat pump system reduces heating fuel use in milder weather, allowing you to reserve heating fuel for cold weather and rely on electricity the rest of the time. In the summer, it works in reverse, keeping your home cool. All the while, electricity doesn’t emit the carbon emissions that gas or heating oil do.
A hybrid HVAC system does cost more than a traditional system. However, you should consider the lowered energy bills and any rebates or incentives you qualify for. Over time, the benefits outweigh the costs.
Remember that average costs are simply estimates. The size and layout of your home, the number of people and pets living there, and your existing ducts or the need for updates will impact the cost.
An expert in Chicago HVAC systems helps you understand your options and whether repairs or replacement make the most sense. Get a free quote for a new HVAC system or system repairs from Airblue Heating and Cooling.